Effective Classroom Management: Tips for New Teachers from Episode 1

1. Build Relationships with Students

Developing meaningful relationships with your students is crucial. Take the time to get to know them, their interests and their challenges. Strong relationships enhance trust and respect, which are foundational for effective classroom management.

2. Set Clear Procedures for Classroom Tasks

Establishing clear procedures is essential for ensuring that students know what is expected of them. From handing in assignments to transitioning between activities, clarity can prevent confusion and save valuable instructional time. At the beginning of the year, take time to explicitly outline these procedures, and revisit them as needed. Some keys to this include:

• Plan Bell-to-Bell Procedures. Make the most of every minute in your classroom by planning bell-to-bell procedures. This means having a clear plan for what students should be doing from the moment they enter until the moment they leave. When students know the routine, they can engage more fully in the learning process.
• Model Procedures. Don’t just tell your students what to do—show them. Modeling procedures not only helps clarify expectations but also reinforces learning. Demonstrate how to complete a task or transition smoothly between activities, and provide opportunities for students to practice these routines.
• Purpose Over Power. As Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion, emphasizes, it's important to have a purpose behind your procedures. Share with your students why these routines are in place and how they contribute to a productive learning environment. When students understand the purpose, they are more likely to engage and comply.
• PRRR: Present, Reinforce, Reward, Reteach. The PRRR method is an effective strategy for classroom management. Present expectations clearly, reinforce positive behaviors, reward compliance, and be prepared to reteach procedures as necessary. This cycle helps maintain a consistent environment where students feel supported and understood.

3. Move Around the Classroom

As you teach, make an effort to circulate around the classroom. Moving around not only helps you monitor student engagement but also makes you more approachable. Lemov says, “Be seen looking!” This visibility reinforces your presence and authority in the room. Jacob Kounin, a classroom management theorist, calls this idea “with-it-ness,” which means the teacher has continual awareness of what is happening in the classroom. Developing these skills allows better management for individual and small group work, as well as better understanding students’ strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and emotions.

4. Establish Attention-Getting Procedures

Teachers should establish procedures to get the attention of the whole class. Group alerting strategies, such as a call-and-response, can help focus students’ attention quickly and efficiently. This can be used to help refocus if a reset is needed, a lesson is ending, or the teacher needs to otherwise get the students’ attention.

5. Implement Reward Systems

Recognizing positive behaviors can greatly enhance classroom management. Establish reward systems that celebrate compliance and good choices, reinforcing a positive learning environment. Students like knowing they will be able to earn rewards, and teachers are able to reinforce what they want the students to do.

6. Be a “Warm Demander”

According to Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain, being a “warm demander” means holding high expectations while also being supportive and nurturing. This approach creates a balanced environment where students feel valued and challenged. Teachers can develop positive connections with students while also establishing a structured and productive learning environment.

7. Create Partnerships 

Teaching is like a team sport. Even if you have your own classroom, you can best support your students if you work with other trusted adults in the school community. It is important for teachers to establish communication with parents, especially regarding positive behaviors; this can greatly benefit your classroom. Consider implementing positive calls home on Fridays to end the week on a good note. This not only builds a positive home-school connection but also encourages student accountability.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of mentorship. Build relationships with veteran teachers who can offer support, guidance and insight based on their experiences. Their wisdom can help you navigate the complexities of classroom management more effectively.

8. Remember, Resets Are Possible!

Don’t be afraid to refresh your classroom management strategies throughout the year. If you notice a decline in compliance or engagement, take the opportunity to revisit and reinforce your procedures. Flexibility is key to maintaining a productive classroom.

By incorporating these strategies into your teaching practice, you’ll create a classroom environment that promotes learning and fosters positive behaviors. Remember, effective classroom management is not just about rules; it's about relationships, respect and creating a space where every student can succeed. Happy teaching!

Learn about episode 2 in the series.